The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 73

Ethan had a presence that was impossible to ignore. Even from across the room, his commanding aura sent a clear message: strangers, keep your distance.

Really, it was only someone like Ramona—with her flawless looks and steady nerves—who could stand calmly by his side without shrinking away.

“Ramona, you and Mr. Jordon look perfect together! I saw you two exchange rings just now, and honestly, it was so moving.”

The girl sitting next to Nova wiped at her eyes, her voice thick as she sniffled.

“Oh, come on, what are you all doing? It’s just an engagement, not a wedding… Why are you crying?”

“I’m crying because Ramona deserves this…”

“Yeah, she’s finally found her happiness…”

“Mr. Jordon, you have to know, Ramona is truly the best! Her beauty is honestly the smallest of her virtues. There are so many wonderful things about her. Please, you have to cherish her!”

Among everyone at Holt Group, only these few women knew about the real relationship between Jotham and Ramona.

Even after things reached this point, it was only after they’d left the company that Ramona finally confided in them.

Back when she was at Holt Group, Ramona was so dedicated and professional that no one had the slightest clue about her and Jotham. If it had been any of them, and Jotham had treated them this way, they’d have snatched up their own team long ago and left without looking back.

Being praised like this right in front of Ethan made Ramona blush with embarrassment. She quickly tried to steer the conversation away. “Okay, that’s enough. Mr. Jordon, you should get back to your work. These girls are just exaggerating, you don’t need to pay them any mind…”

“I actually think they’re right.”

Ethan’s reply was calm, but instead of leaving, he sat down beside her. He looked around the table. Though the air around him was still cool and reserved, his voice was unexpectedly gentle.

“If there’s more to say, I’d like to hear it. What other good things can you tell me about Ramona?”

Even Ash, who followed Ethan everywhere, was visibly surprised. He’d never seen his boss act this approachable, not even with the Jordon Group’s own partners.

“Oh, there’s plenty more!”

The girl next to Nova jumped in eagerly.

Ramona’s cheeks grew even redder. “Dinner’s being served, aren’t you all hungry? I’m starving, honestly…”

She hurriedly picked up a serving spoon and started piling slices of roast beef onto everyone’s plates, hoping to keep them too busy eating to continue their praise.

But when she reached Ethan’s plate, she hesitated, fork poised in midair.

Ethan looked over at her expectantly. “And mine?”

Ramona paused, surprised. She hadn’t thought Ethan would actually sit with them. There was a whole table of Jordon Group executives still waiting for him. When they’d come over, Ethan had just said he wanted to greet her friends for a moment.

Ethan’s voice dropped a notch, cool and guarded.

“You’re getting engaged. How could I not come to congratulate you?”

Nadia lifted her glass to Ethan, then let her gaze slide over to Ramona.

She looked Ramona up and down, then smiled, a little too sweetly. “Ms. Jarrett, you’re truly beautiful. No wonder Ethan chose you for his fiancée… From every angle, you two look like you belong together.”

The jealousy in her tone was so strong, Ramona could almost taste it.

Clearly, Nadia’s feelings for Ethan ran deep.

It was Ramona’s engagement party, so she accepted the compliments graciously, whether genuine or laced with bitterness.

“Thank you, Ms. Shepard. You look stunning tonight as well.”

Nadia was striking, with elegant features and an icy beauty.

“Beauty’s not everything,” Nadia said, her voice dropping. “Sometimes you just have bad luck—meeting the right person at the wrong time, or the wrong person at the right time.” She glanced back at Ethan, eyes suddenly shining with unshed tears.

Ramona didn’t quite catch her meaning, but the girls at the table sensed drama brewing. Their expressions grew tense, bracing themselves for whatever might come next.